Branstad, Reynolds visit all 99 Iowa counties

DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that they had successfully met their goal of visiting each of Iowa's 99 counties this calendar year.

Branstad said he finished his statewide tour Tuesday night in Emmet County, while Reynolds completed the 99-county circuit Wednesday morning with a stop in Butler County.

“I believe the best way to connect with the people of Iowa is to visit them each year,” Branstad said in a statement. “Lt. Gov. Reynolds and I will continue to visit every county every year to discuss with hard-working Iowans the issues our state faces.”

According to the governor's office, Branstad and Reynolds have held 730 public events throughout the state since taking their oaths of office last Jan. 14.

Also Wednesday, Branstad said he is encouraging Iowans to take part in a new Google venture paying tribute to and thanking members of the U.S. armed forces for their service.

The site, www.youtube.com/veterans, allows individuals to record a video message to U.S. soldiers. Additionally, Google will be holding a recording event Monday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. in Clear Lake at the VFW hall on Main Street. At the event, Google will record Iowans' tributes and upload them for free.

Gov. Branstad said he has uploaded a video wishing the troops a happy holiday and safe return home. The video will also be played on the American Forces Network through the holidays.